A newsletter from Dr. Kathryn Alderman promoting the Dental Operations Symposium 2026.
Core argument: "Operate before you automate." Fix your processes first, but don't use that as an excuse to skip technology practices without an AI plan in 2026 are falling behind. The real problem isn't AI avoidance, it's AI overload from constant vendor pitches.
Her method: Define the problem, then the KPI, then pick the technology. Most practices do it backwards.
The stack she recommends, in build order:
Framing: Not replacing staff, but pairing a human team with a digital one so people handle what only people can.
The pitch: Attend the symposium in Frisco, Nov 2–3, or stay on the list for pre-event vendor updates.
Achieving an optimal esthetic outcome in complex orthodontic patients is one of the most challenging tasks an orthodontist faces. These patients often require comprehensive dental treatment to address esthetic and functional issues caused by caries, periodontal disease, missing or impacted teeth, trauma, severe wear, alveolar bone defects, or previously failed treatment.
Effective treatment planning demands a thoughtful, collaborative, and creative approach by the interdisciplinary team to meet both patient and provider goals. This lecture will highlight the essential role of coordination between the orthodontist, restorative dentist, and periodontist. Attendees will learn a systematic approach to diagnosing and planning treatment for the everyday challenges seen in complex cases, along with practical tools and strategies to carry out treatment successfully. Special emphasis will be placed on communication and creative problem-solving across specialties.
Learning Objectives:
Dr Kokich, Jr received his dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1996 and completed a general practice residency at the University of Washington Medical Center in 1997. He remained at the University of Washington for his orthodontic training where he obtained his masters in orthodontics in 1999. Since then, he has remained on faculty in the Department of Orthodontics as an affiliate assistant professor while maintaining a private practice in Tacoma, Washington. He has received the Charles L. Pincus Research Award for Clinical Research from the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.
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Direct/Indirect Restorative Outcomes
Dr. Taiseer Sulaiman
Friday, Oct 3, 8 am - 3 pm
The first two phases of any restorative care are treatment planning and clinical execution. The third phase, material selection and clinical application, is often underestimated, resulting in failure to serve our patients. The abundance of restorative dentistry materials, such as dental ceramics, adhesives, composite resins, cements, and provisional material, coupled with the constant release of new materials by manufacturers, can be daunting. When clinicians comprehend the fundamental features and characteristics of each material as well as their precise application, the maximum potential of each material can be achieved, resulting in extraordinary patient care. This course will focus on clinical recommendations and material selection criteria to complement the pursuit of restorative dental excellence.
Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:
Dr Taiseer Sulaiman is the director of advanced operative dentistry and biomaterials research at the Adams School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr Sulaiman’s research focus is on dental ceramics, adhesion, cements, color and appearance in dentistry and biomimetics. He is a member of many academies, including the Academy of Operative Dentistry (where he serves as councilor to the academy), the Society of Color and Appearance in Dentistry, IADR/AADR, and the American Dental Association.
This Clinical Treatment Planning Session represents the core and essence of the Elite Dental Group program. Members are free to test their ideas while reviewing their examination and treatment planning skills. The result is an ability to discuss diagnosis and treatment options with peers in a non-threatening environment. Ultimately, each member becomes more comfortable treating and planning difficult cases.
This Clinical Treatment Planning Session will involve treatment planning of a comprehensive case. The case will be presented to the entire group and documentation will be provided for member review. The members will break into groups, develop and then present their best treatment recommendations at the conclusion of the program with interactive feedback from the other teams.
Cosmetic Dentistry in the Digital Age
Dr. Tony Mennito
Friday, Dec 12, 8 am - 12:30 pm
Discover how digital dentistry is reshaping cosmetic and restorative care in this dynamic session with Dr. Tony Mennito. Dive deep into the digital workflows that our patients are demanding more and more. Learn how to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technology, including in-house surgical guide design, 3D printing, and same-day restorations, to create reliable, cost-effective, and predictable results.
This course will also cover the essentials of digital photography and smile design, offering practical tips to build patient confidence, enhance case acceptance, and grow profitability. Stay ahead by exploring future advancements in artificial intelligence and digital tools, making now the perfect time to take your practice to the next level.
Learning Objectives:
• Master Digital Workflows: Understand the benefits of integrating same-day dentistry and guided implant surgery for reliable and predictable outcomes.
• Streamline In-House Capabilities: Explore designing and 3D printing surgical guides and delivering same-day restorations to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Refine Smile Design Skills: Learn photography and smile design fundamentals to enhance the esthetic and functional outcomes of cosmetic procedures.
• Enhance Patient Engagement: Gain strategies to build patient confidence, improve case acceptance, and increase profitability using digital solutions.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve: Discover upcoming advancements in digital dentistry and cloud technology to future-proof your practice.
Dr. Anthony Mennito (Tony) is a private practice dentist as well as an adjunct faculty member at the MUSC College of Dental Medicine in Charleston, South Carolina. His dental practice, Expertise Dental, focuses on using technology to comprehensively care for his patients while helping to enhance the esthetics of their smile. He is an experienced user on digital systems made by Planmeca, Dentsply Sirona, 3Shape, and iTero and is heavily reliant on digital design and 3D printing for treatment planning complex cases. He lectures nationally and internationally and currently has 21 published papers on the topics of digital dentistry and dental materials.
